Wednesday, September 30, 2026

0:26It's the holiday season at House of Burrow, which means it's the most wanted. moment to review some key rules. Rule number five, more style means more celebration. Number four, buy gifts, but remember to treat yourself too. Number three, there is no dress code, but always leave them talking. Number two, show off different outfits. No party remains unattended. And rule number one, have it all without spending it all. Happy holidays from House of Burl, Burlington. Breaking news tonight. The suspected terror attack on a passenger plane. One pilot stabbing another in the cockpit. The horrific images inside the plane.

1:07The pilot bloodied while his co-pilot attacker is held down by heroic passengers. Families screaming as the plane drops thousands of feet. Passengers rushing the cockpit door. How they finally made it in. and the plumber on board who took the controls. The heroes of that flight now speaking out to us. Plus, the investigation tonight, was the pilot with the knife part of a terrorist group? How did he get that weapon through security? And how safe are flights here in the U.S.? This just in the major move from Cornell University as the school investigates that alleged rape. Plus, NBC News obtaining the accuser's original statement two years ago, what it reveals.

1:50The tornado warnings right now as dangerous storms take aim. This woman clinging to her car as the water rises, rescue teams moving in, plus the powerful nighttime tornado touching down in Texas, sirens blaring. The horrifying workplace shooting in Virginia, two employees killed at an equipment rental facility. Our series of fording America and the single mom of three working two jobs, even delivering food while her kids eat dinner in the backseat. Her desperate efforts to make ends meet. The Army veteran suing a hospital after surgeons amputated the wrong leg. How could this happen? Teens stranded at sea the nighttime rescue after their boat suddenly capsized.

2:35And there's good news tonight. The football players and the flowers for a mom fighting cancer. Nightly news starts right now. This is NBC Nightly News with Tom Yawmas.

2:51And good evening. We thank you for joining us on this very busy Wednesday night. We want to begin with that breaking news on what's being described as a terror attack in the cockpit of a passenger plane. The images coming into our newsroom are terrifying and graphic. A pilot stabbing another pilot inside of the cockpit before attempting to crash the plane. You see here those pilots bloodied after courageous passengers rushed in to save nearly 200 people on board in an episode so reminiscent of the tragedy on 9-11 and those terrorist hijackers. These were the moments of terror as the plane plummeted more than 15 ,000 feet at near supersonic speeds.

3:31People on board screaming and holding on for dear life. This passenger, blood on his face, said he rushed towards the danger with others after the injured pilot somehow unlocked the cockpit door. The plane, which left Dubai early this morning, was headed to Tel Aviv, ultimately making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. When passengers finally made it to Israel, a hero's welcome from an emotional crowd, families tearfully reuniting. And now tonight, the questions over that pilot's motive, how he got a knife on board, and what exactly he planned to do behind the controls. And after decades where the threat of terrorism came from outside the cockpit, a new reality tonight that it can come from inside as well.

4:14We're going to cover all those angles, but Matt Bradley starts us off tonight from Tel Aviv. Tonight, the horror in the skies, what Israel's defense minister calls an attempted jihadist terror attack. You see that pilot covered in blood after being stabbed by his own co-pilot. He was subdued by a group of courageous passengers who sprung into action. It all started a few minutes earlier. You can hear screams as the Fly Dubai flight plummets from 33 ,000 feet to 17 ,000 feet in just one minute. The packed plane full of Israeli passengers, including families with children, and according to U.S. officials, four U.S.

4:57citizens. It was on its way from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. Two and a half hours into the flight, the plane starts to nosedive. Moments later, an emergency signal is activated. Israel scrambling fighter jets to respond to a potential hijacking. Inside the plane, you can see passengers start to move down the aisle towards the cockpit. Then, the plane starts to shake. A few seconds later, an announcement to passengers.

5:27Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying the co-pilot had begun stabbing the pilot and also tried to sabotage the aircraft's controls and attempted to crash the plane with everyone on board. But that's when brave passengers and crew stepped in. This man, with blood on his face, saying, we're currently in the middle of an attack on the aircraft. We've just subdued the attacker to anyone who can hear me. We need help, he says. Tonight, the pilot identified as Smit Machar, an Indian citizen, who Israeli officials tell us, while being attacked, was able to press a button opening the cockpit door with his foot, allowing access to the passengers.

6:07Two senior law enforcement officials tell NBC News the co-pilot who attacked him is of Omani descent. This man says he was one of the passengers who rushed the cockpit. Recording a video for his daughters, I'll have to change my clothes, he says, they're filled with blood. We caught the terrorist. I'll tell you when I come back. By chance, two pilots were among the passengers. They took over the flight, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia. The plane's tail severely damaged during the nosedive. Passengers were treated by medical staff, and the co-pilot was arrested. Late today, cheers as the passengers arrived back home in Israel.

6:46The prime minister meeting one of the hero passengers, a plumber, returning from vacation with his family. he still had blood on his clothes. I grabbed the terrorist, choked him. He says the plane was going like this, he said, describing the nosedive. I started pulling the lever back on the controls to stop the nosedive and said he had seen them do that on a TV show. These are the passengers coming out right now. They're being mobbed by media and they've been through a horrific ordeal. And now they're finally safe at home. Did you think you were going to die? Yes. Tonight, passengers describing the nightmare.

7:22All scared after you fell down five kilometers. You don't understand anything. You said you were scared and I'm sorry about your ordeal. But can I ask you, how do you feel now? Proud, very proud. Proud? Yes. Why? That they managed to let you, that they didn't stop us. Matt Bradley joins us now live. Matt, the big question tonight, was there a potential terrorist in the pilot ranks at Fly Dubai, which is owned by the Dubai government, which also owns Emirates Airlines. Well, we don't know for sure, but it's certainly starting to look that way, Tom. The Israelis have opened an investigation and Fly Dubai said in a statement, the reasons and motives behind this event are unclear and remain subject to a formal investigation.

8:07Tom? Matt Bradley leading us off tonight, all of this bringing up so many questions about how this attack happened, including how the co-pilot apparently got past airport security with a weapon. Here's Tom Costello.

8:23Aviation experts say the fly Dubai 737 Max 8 was nearly flown into the ground. Among the questions for investigators, how did the co-pilot, also known as the first officer, get a forbidden weapon, possibly a knife, through airport security? and had the airline done a thorough background check on that pilot, who the Israeli prime minister's office says had been with flight Dubai for less than a year. It's not just the looking for radicalization. It's looking for the mental balance of people that we have on the flight deck. The attack drawing immediate parallels to the 9-11 al-Qaeda hijackers who used box cutters as weapons and the United Flight 93 passengers who bravely fought back.

9:08Since then, cockpit doors have been hardened, knives prohibited even in the cockpit, though some U.S. pilots are certified to carry handguns. The Homeland Security Secretary today. We continue to look at the procedures that we have in place and continue to make sure the American people are safe. The AP, citing regional sources, says Israeli air marshals were among the passengers who fought back. Clearly in this case, everything went as best as it possibly could. where passengers were able to get involved. There was a pilot available to land the airplane. That's not going to happen every time. Any pilot who flies into or out of the U.S.

9:42and most of the world goes through extensive background checks before being hired, criminal terror watch list checks and mental health screenings. But no system is foolproof. And with that, Tom joins us now live. Tom, you cover aviation for us incredibly. As you reported there, there were other pilots aboard that plane to take control. If they weren't there, could those passengers in any way land that plane? Oh, I think that would have been very, very challenging. This was very, very close. They nearly all died. But thankfully, these two pilots who were off duty, it's called deadheading in the business, they were coming out and then possibly flying the plane back.

10:24And then you've also likely got Air Force veterans on board that plane, given how many Israeli military people are simply in everyday civilian life. But they got very lucky today. Incredible. Everyone survived. Tom Costello for us. Tom, thank you. We have some breaking developments we have to get to in the rape allegations rocking Cornell University. NBC News has obtained the accuser's original statement from two years ago. And just moments ago, a new announcement from the governor about this new investigation. Maggie, what more do we know. Well, Tom, Governor Hochul now saying that Cornell University will bring in outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation, saying they understand the importance of this as we learn more about these allegations.

11:08Tonight, shocking new details in the Cornell University rape investigation. NBC News has obtained the six-page statement a female student gave to campus police back in 2024, two years before the student, now identifying herself as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit accusing members of the Chi-Fi fraternity of drugging and sexually assaulting her. According to the document, she arrived at the house after heavily drinking and describes having a threesome with two men, one of whom she described as a friend, that she says, I was pretty okay with. She describes being offered ketamine and other drugs throughout the night, and that I felt like I was unable to make any decisions because of how intoxicated I was.

11:48She says at one point, a group of men walked into the room, saying I felt like hiding under the covers of the bed was the only option because the men were standing between me and the only exit. In the statement, she tells investigators, my thought was that if I passed out and these men had sex with me, then they could be charged with rape. She also describes men repeatedly asking her for sex, saying to me that felt like coercion. She says she swatted one man's hand away several times. The DA's office now reopening the criminal investigation as authorities pour over the details of that night. This is where the night began at Jane Doe's sorority house, where the lawsuit says she drank vodka.

12:28Then the suit says she and her sorority sisters headed to an event here at Mooney's bar. Then Jane Doe went to another bar before she, as the suit puts it, stumbled alone here to the Chi-Fi house, roughly a mile away where the alleged assault took place. Tonight, questions mounting about why New York prosecutors declined to charge any fraternity members back in 2024, with Jane Doe reportedly telling campus police in an interview at the time, I can say with 100 percent confidence I was raped. That's according to a transcript obtained by WCBS and not independently reviewed by NBC News. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten telling NBC he only learned of that quote last night, writing in an email that was not contained in the written statement that we received from Cornell Police.

13:15Cornell saying University Police shared a lengthy police investigation report with the DA. Maggie Vespa back with us now. And Maggie, the district attorney also sharing another update tonight. Yeah, Tom, that's right. He says the next step is now speaking with Jane Doe and her attorney, telling NBC News today that he's now shifting focus to pursuing additional evidence that's recently come to light. Tom. Maggie Best by her team with a lot of new reporting tonight. Maggie, thank you. Next, more than 20 million are facing dangerous flood threats from Arizona to Illinois, and high water rescues are already underway.

13:51Brian Chandler is in the storm zone for us tonight. Tonight, rescue teams racing to save people trapped in rising waters. North of Las Cruces, New Mexico this morning, a woman clinging to the roof of her vehicle. A first responder attached to a rescue rope swimming towards her. That rescuer holding on to the woman as several others carefully pulled the pair to safety. A state of emergency now declared. Wow, strong tornado. While in the Texas panhandle, this tornado touching down outside Amarillo Tuesday. Oh my God, that's not good. And in Arizona, authorities say a family of four was trapped in this RV as water rushed inside.

14:29Rescue crews saving them and their four pets just in time. As the storm system marches east, first responders in Dallas urging people not to go out. So the biggest thing is just stay out of water that's on the road. If you can, stay home. In Fort Worth, the city distributing sandbags as families brace for the heavy rain ahead. And Tom, up to eight inches of rain is possible along the I-35 corridor through Texas and up into Oklahoma. And rain is not the only threat. We're also tracking a tornado watch in effect now in parts of Kansas. Could be a long night for so many families. Tom. Ryan Chandler in the Storm Zone.

15:08Ryan, thank you. When we return in just 60 seconds, our series Affording America, how everyday people are struggling with high prices. You're going to meet a mom doing everything she can to get ahead. and the workplace shooting that left two dead in Virginia, how the manhunt for the gunman ended. Plus the Ohio woman suing a hospital for amputating the wrong leg. Stay with us. This episode is brought to you by Whoop, the wearable health and fitness coach that gives you personalized insights into your sleep, recovery, strain, stress, and overall health. So you can finish summer feeling more aware of what you're capable of.

15:45With Whoop, you can better understand how your body is responding to travel, training, late nights, warmer weather, and packed weekends. It helps you see what's supporting your energy and recovery and what might be holding you back. Visit join.whoop.com slash SiriusXM. Buscas un regalo de Navidad que van a apreciar? Cuenta con Nazaro. The most wanted odd de parfum intense empieza con notas de cardamomo, con un toque de la dulzura del toffee y ámbar cálido con notas amaderadas. Y si conoces a alguien que necesita algo más fuerte que va con su personalidad, Busca the Most Wanted Parfum o el Forever Wanted Elixir.

16:23Compra ya en Macy's y ponte a explorar. Azaro. It's the holiday season at House of Burl, which means that it's the perfect moment to review some key rules. Rule number five, more style means more celebration. Number four, buy gifts, but remember to treat yourself too. Number three, there is no dress code, but always leave them talking. Number two, show off different outfits. No party remains unattended. And rule number one, have it all without spending it all. Happy holidays from House of Burl, Burlington. We're back now with our new series of Affording America and the day we spent with a Chicago mother raising three kids, doing what she has to in order to make ends meet.

17:06It means two jobs, long days and sometimes not a lot to show for all the work she's doing. Here's Christine Romans. Right now, I have... Oh! Okay, my bank account is overdrawn. It's negative$572.35. 30-year-old Jade Crossfrench is just trying to finish the day ahead. Her bank account in the red and only$20 in her pocket. Yeah, I'm not going to be lucky enough to get four gallons. That money? to fuel up her car for her second job as a DoorDash delivery driver. DoorDash is always my right now money. Right now money means gas, like the stuff that I need to get done in my everyday life. The single mother in Chicago is raising three kids and with child care being so expensive.

17:59Hey, mom. Hey, baby. Are you coming to take care of yourself? Yeah, I'm coming. Hi, dear. Her kids are often with her. Y 'all going to eat in DoorDash, come on. In the backseat, eating dinner and doing homework. By day, Jade sells insurance. Hi, Loren, how are you today? Paid by commission. I'll probably bring home at minimum$500 in a week. There has been weeks that I haven't brought anything home. Jade is one of 8.7 million people across the country working more than one job to make ends meet. Bad one. On this day, after a full day in the office, she had zero commissions. Then, while on the road, a one-hour trip to deliver boba tea netted jade$10.40, plus a$1 tip.

18:56Y 'all hot, tired. Hours of door dashing left her just barely above where she started. I'm going home with 35 buckaroos. 35 big ones. That's gas money. At least I made my 20 back plus what,$15?

19:21After an 11-hour day, Jade is only$15 ahead. and she'll do it all again tomorrow. I would not want my kids to do gig work or dash. If they needed to, by all means, do what you have to do. But I'm working hard so that you don't have to work as hard. Christine Romans, NBC News. Just one of the many Americans trying to afford America. You can see much more of Jade's story in our digital doc on NBCNews.com or in the NBC News app. we're back in a moment with the nighttime rescue three teens stranded at sea clinging to their capsized boat that's next this episode is brought to you by whoop the wearable health and fitness coach that gives you personalized insights into your sleep recovery strain stress and overall health so you can finish summer feeling more aware of what you're capable of with whoop you can better understand how your body is responding to travel training late nights warmer weather and packed weekends.

20:23It helps you see what's supporting your energy and recovery and what might be holding you back. Visit join.whoop.com slash SiriusXM. ¿Buscas un regalo de Navidad que van a apreciar? Cuenta con Nazaro. The Most Wanted Odd de Parfum Intense empieza con notas de cardamomo, con un toque de la dulzura del toffee y ámbar cálido con notas amaderadas. Y si conoces a alguien que necesita algo más fuerte que va con su personalidad, busca The Most Wanted Parfum or El Forever Wanted Elixir. Compra ya en Macy's y ponte a explorar. Azaro. It's the holiday season at House of Burl, which means that it's the perfect moment to review some key rules.

21:03Rule number five, more style means more celebration. Number four, buy gifts, but remember to treat yourself too. Number three, there is no dress code, but always leave them talking. Number two, show off different outfits. No party remains unattended. And rule number one, have it all without spending it all. Happy holidays from House of Burl, Burlington. We're back now with a deadly shooting out of Virginia. Manassas City Police say a 37-year-old suspect opened fire at his workplace, United Rentals, killing two co-workers and injuring a third. The shooting unfolding after an altercation with the suspect fleeing, setting off in an hours long manhunt.

21:44The suspect later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the side of the road during a standoff with police. Also tonight, an Ohio woman is suing a hospital, accusing surgeons of amputating the wrong leg in a skin cancer operation. The 74-year-old Army veteran claims her left leg was amputated instead of her right, despite it being marked properly. She later had the necessary surgery, making her a double amputee now. The hospital confirms this was an avoidable event and says those involved are being held accountable. Now to a nighttime rescue off the coast of Florida. You can see three teenage boys sitting on their overturned boat.

22:22Their faces blurred by authorities, Marine and Harbor Patrol finding them stranded about two miles from Port Everglades Inlet. Investigators say the victims were using a light on their phone, which assisted deputies in locating them. Rescue crews brought them safely on board their vessel. When we come back here on Nightly News, the moving reason these high school football players lined up one by one to deliver this woman flowers. There's good news tonight.

22:51Finally, there's good news tonight. At a high school football game outside of Atlanta, it was what the team did off the field to honor a mother fighting cancer that became the play of the day. We love you. We're praying for you. Are you serious? Yes, ma 'am. Alex Henson was sitting, ready to watch some high school football. What? It's okay. When something unexpected happened. Every member of the Centennial High School football team in Roswell, Georgia, coming over one by one, giving her a flower and a hug. The mom of two is battling cancer, and the journey hasn't been easy. Fighting cancer is really scary, and you can feel alone.

23:34Alex is on the sidelines for nearly every football game. Her husband, Trey, is the school's athletic director. To see them walk over and hug Alex and just show what good kids they are, there wasn't a dry eye down there. It was something like I've never experienced before. I just felt so much love from the players, from the coaches, just from the community in general. Small acts of kindness from a team and a town eager to support one of their own. So I think I just want them to know how much it means to us. The ability to know that you're not alone and that you've got people that are cheering for you and praying for you all over the place is really powerful.

24:25And Alex, we'll be praying for you as well. That's Nightly News for this Wednesday. I'm Tom Yamas. We thank you so much for watching tonight and always. We're here for you. Good night.

24:41It's the holiday season at House of Burl, which means that it's the perfect moment to review some key rules. Rule number five, more style means more celebration. Number four, buy gifts, but remember to treat yourself too. Number three, there is no dress code, but always leave them talking. Number two, show off different outfits. No party remains unattended. And rule number one, have it all without spending it all. Happy holidays from House of Burl, Burlington.